Allow us to introduce ourselves.
We are Arsenal FC of Pittsburgh.

Arsenal Football Club is a competitive youth soccer club in Western Pennsylvania.

We provide professional training in alignment with U.S. Soccer’s philosophy and approach.

Founded in 2001, we attract committed and talented players by delivering a quality program created and executed by licensed and experienced coaches.

Our progressive player pool philosophy ensures players are challenged to train and play outside their comfort zones.

What is a player pool?

No two players develop along the same trajectory.

Some mature early while others mature gradually over time. We recognize the individuality of a player’s developmental journey and we use a progressive, innovative approach that best fits each player: the player pool.

In this philosophy, pools of players are assembled from one or two birth years. From this group, teams are assembled based on what is deemed best for each player’s development.

An important distinction between utilizing a player pool and simply having two or three static teams in an age group is the fluidity a player pool allows. A player can move between teams or training groups based on their specific stage of development.

Since it’s possible to move players between pools, a player could be exposed to a more demanding match, moving from Pool B up to Pool A for example -- one game at a time. Then the player returns to the original pool. Utilizing the club pass and ability-based grouping into player pools eliminates the “all or nothing” situation with fixed teams.

The possible fluid movement of players between pools for training sessions and matches allows the coaching staff to individualize player development.

The staff compare notes weekly on the players to determine which ones may need to switch pools. That move could be for one day, the entire soccer year or anything in between.

We stress to our players, coaches and parents to have the courage to be patient and trust the development process the club has created.

U.S. SOCCER'S PLAYER POOL PHILOSOPHY

Our top priority is player development.

We enable players to reach their maximum potential and realize their soccer goals. Whether a player’s goal is to play professionally, collegiately or at another level, we are the vehicle to help players get there while learning to love and respect the game, their teammates, referees and opponents.

We are committed to teaching a sustainable, attractive style of soccer, one that enforces good habits from an early age and yields consistent results in latter years.

In the spirit of a true club, we aim to provide a home and an appropriate competitive level for any player who wants to play. We strive to improve our players rather than actively recruiting from neighboring clubs.

We offer a full developmental pathway that fosters a love of the game at our youngest ages and tests our oldest players against elite adult competition.

Our programming is designed for the most determined player who seeks to develop and compete locally, regionally and nationally alongside players with equally high skill, ability and commitment levels.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENTAL PATHWAY

The Developmental Pyramid, outlining the pathway, is designed to guide players along each step of their player development journey.

From the grassroots phase where players develop a love and understanding of the game, to the Academy level where players are prepared for the life of competitive collegiate, professional or adult soccer, the programming at each phase is tailored to include age- and ability-appropriate challenges.

The Developmental Pyramid identifies and provides opportunities for players of all abilities and aspirations to enjoy their soccer using our fluid player pool philosophy.

For a player to be successful in our club, they must accept that player development is a long process and patience is a requirement. As players mature, their performances tend to ebb and flow.

We pride ourselves in evaluating players throughout the year and placing them in the appropriate environments based on their needs at that moment.

As a part of Arsenal FC of Pittsburgh, here is what you can expect.

Player development.

The development of the player is our top priority. We aim to provide the optimal environment to facilitate player development while recognizing that each player’s needs are unique. As part of the Club, players participate in:

Arsenal’s progressive player pool approach, creating opportunities for players to be stretched and challenged throughout the year based on their developmental needs.
A variety of training environments including team training, technique-specific sessions, inter- and intra-club futsal leagues, position-specific training and a soccer-focused strength, agility and conditioning program.
A long-term developmental curriculum where a systematic, strategic approach allows players to hone their skills at their own pace while under the close guidance of age-appropriate coaches from U6 through U19. Each coach respects sensitive periods in a child’s development and is conscious of the challenges early and late maturers face throughout their journey.
Age- and ability-appropriate competitions that maintain a training-to-game ratio that balances development with results based on where a player is in their journey.

Personal growth.

Long-term team success.

The development of the team is crucial to the success of the players in the club. Team success is measured by the importance of long-term development versus short-term results. As part of the Club, teams will:

Follow a strategic calendar that balances training with leagues, tournaments, showcases and overseas trips.
Equip players with a deep tactical understanding of the game.
Be expected to respect the opponent, coach, referees and facilities.
Participate in team bonding and educational events such as attending professional or collegiate matches.
Be encouraged to watch and support other age groups within the club.
Understand the importance of long-term development versus short-term results.

A true club experience.

We are a true club, rather than a collection of teams. A home where players interact with coaches and players of all ages creates a unique soccer experience. Like our players, the Club is always looking to improve by:

Exploring new training methods and opportunities for players.
Listening to feedback from past and present members.
Upgrading the fields, facilities and equipment the Club uses.
Partnering with community clubs to raise the overall level of soccer in the region.
Giving underprivileged players the opportunity to play competitive soccer.
Hosting competitive and charitable soccer events for the community’s soccer players.
Educating local coaches to improve the overall training available in the area.
Hiring the most talented and committed staff and encouraging them to continue their soccer education.

A top quality coaching staff.

A player’s development and, more importantly, enjoyment is largely shaped by a club’s coaching staff. Arsenal FC is proud to have the most qualified, experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic coaches in the state. The Club provides players with coaches who:

Are positive role models for young players to follow.
Are knowledgeable, with many having played the game at the collegiate or professional level.
Have appropriate qualifications, experience and licensing for the age group and level they are coaching.
Speak frequently with each other so a consistent message and playing philosophy is communicated across the club.
Have strengths specific for the age group they are coaching. Younger age groups will include coaches capable of demonstrating techniques while older ages will have coaches who specialize in the tactical and mental side of the game.
Want to always learn and continue their coaching education.

Bottom line.

We provide a home for soccer players to develop their skills, realize their potential and grow their character in a competitive soccer atmosphere.

We aim to develop and improve the game of soccer by facilitating the development of the individual player, coach and team.

We hope that players and their families will look back with fondness on their time with the Club as one of challenge, growth, fun and friendship.

Take the challenge.
Become an Arsenal player.

JOIN THE CLUB

Allow us to introduce ourselves. We are Arsenal FC of Pittsburgh.